Kuniya, 2007 by Andrew Mitchell 152x76cm

Andrew Mitchell, born around 1940, is a prominent artist from Blackstone in the NPY (Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara) lands. His artwork "Kuniya, 2007" reflects the Tjukurpa (Dreaming) of the Woma Python snake, an important Creation Ancestor for Uluru. In the beginning of time, the Kuniya people lived at Uluru, shaping its features. Visitors to Uluru witness the battle scars between Kuniya and the Liru (Poisonous Snake People).

The story of Minyma Kuniya, a Senior Python Woman, is central to this Tjukurpa. She traveled from the southeast to Uluru, where she placed her eggs in a burrow at the Rock's eastern end. Rushing to the other side, she faced the Liru Men who had attacked her nephew. Near Mutitjulu Waterhole, she struck down a Liru warrior with her digging stick, leaving giant cracks on the cliff face as evidence of her actions.

Andrew Mitchell’s art, known for its distinctive geometric patterns mirroring desert sand dunes and linear landscape features, is vital for teaching and preserving Tjukurpa, sustaining his community economically and culturally. He is a key artist at the Papulankutja Art Centre in Blackstone, established in 2001 and incorporated in 2004. The community, home to around 200 people, lies in Western Australia’s Central Desert region.

Living in Blackstone with his wife Angilya and their children, the Mitchell family are custodians of the land along Walu Road and around Illurpa. Andrew, also renowned for his wood crafts, participated in the National Gallery of Victoria's web presentation of the Colour Power Collection.